Sky Blues To Play In Wollongong

Sydney FC will break new ground once again this season by becoming the first club to host a Hyundai A-League fixture in Wollongong.

Sydney FC will break new ground once again this season by becoming the first club to host a Hyundai A-League fixture in Wollongong.

The Sky Blues have announced that WIN Stadium will be the venue for their round 15 clash against the Newcastle Jets on January 3, 2015 (kick off 7.30pm).

With Allianz Stadium having its pitch re-laid, the vast south coast football community will be given the chance to witness top flight football on their doorstep for the very first time.

Sydney FC Chief Executive Officer Tony Pignata said the move represents a fantastic opportunity to showcase the club to its southern Membership and fan base, with more than 5,000 Sky Blue Members last year residing south of Allianz Stadium.

“This is a first for Sydney FC, a first for the Hyundai A-League and a first for Wollongong,” said Pignata.

“It-s another ground-breaking initiative from Sydney FC and will benefit a region which is a football heartland and a key area for us in terms of support.

“With Allianz Stadium out of action and so many Members living in Wollongong and south of our home ground, we believe WIN Stadium is the prime venue to host this match.”

It will be Sydney FC-s second visit to the venue within six months, with a pre-season friendly match against Wellington Phoenix arranged on September 19 (kick off 7.30pm), as the Sky Blues look to give their Members and fans an early taste of what to expect come January.

“We appreciate the high level of support we receive from our southern based supporters and believe it-s only reasonable that the team is seen by our diverse Membership and fan base,” he continued.

“We also have a very close relationship with Football South Coast and our players regularly attend their schools and clinics so we-re hoping to see a big turnout.

“I-d like to thank Venues NSW and WIN Sports and Entertainment Centres for their help and support in hosting the games.”

Sydney FC Members will receive all of their usual Membership benefits for a Sky Blues home match with free public transport on all trains and buses a big factor in getting everyone safely to and from Wollongong.

“It-s the first match of the New Year and it-s right in the middle of the holiday period, so I-d encourage all of our Members and fans to make a day of it and head to Wollongong to give us their backing,” said Pignata.

As usual Members and fans with pre-purchased tickets will need to produce their Membership card or ticket to be entitled to travel for free on the public trains and buses in the region on match day.

The Chair of Venues NSW, Mr John Quayle, has welcomed the opportunity to present elite level football at WIN Stadium.

“Venues NSW has been working closely with Sydney FC to bring these Sydney FC matches, including an A League clash v Newcastle, to WIN Stadium, Wollongong,” said Mr Quayle.

“It is our plan to promote WIN Stadium as a multi-use venue, and our commitment to football in this region at all levels has resulted in this exciting opportunity to present an A League, and pre-season trial at WIN Stadium.

“As long as these events are supported by the local community, this will be a very important part of WIN Stadium-s future, and the future of elite football at WIN Stadium.”

Minister for Sport and Recreation Stuart Ayres congratulated Venues NSW and Sydney FC on reaching an agreement for the match to take place.

“It-s great to see NSW has so many facilities which can support high level competition and allow local fans of the round ball game to attend live games,” Mr Ayres said.

“It will highlight WIN as a great multi-purpose regional venue, with a year-round playing surface, heaps of undercover seating and great transport links and parking options for home and away supporters.”

Sky Blues Members will be contacted in due course with information regarding seating and ticketing arrangements for the games at WIN Stadium.

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